1. Description: A cross of bronze, 2 inches in height and 1
13/16 inches in width with an eagle on the center and a scroll below the eagle bearing the
inscription "FOR VALOR". On the reverse side, the center of the cross is circled
by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the
following stripes: 1/8 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1 inch Imperial
Blue 67175; 1 1/16 inch White; and 1/8 inch Old Glory Red.
3. CRITERIA: The Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to a
person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself or herself
by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor; while engaged in an
action against an enemy of the Unites States; while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an opposing/foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign
forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable
and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or
her comrades.
4. Components: The following are authorized components of the
Distinguished Service Cross:
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN
8455-00-269-5745 for decoration set. NSN 8455-00-246-3827 for individual replacement
medal.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-D-3943/4. NSN
8455-00-996-50007.
c. Ribbon: MIL-R-11589/50. NSN 8455-00-252-9919.
d. Lapel Button (metal replica of ribbon bar):
MIL-L-11484/1. NSN 8455-00-253-0808.
5. BACKGROUND: a. The Distinguished Service Cross was
established by President Woodrow Wilson on January 2, 1918. General Pershing,
Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in France, had recommended that recognition
other than the Medal of Honor, be authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States for
service rendered, in like manner, to that awarded by the European Armies. The request for
establishment of the medal was forwarded from the Secretary of War to the President in a
letter dated December 28, 1917. The Act of Congress establishing this award (193-65th
Congress) dated July 9, 1918 is contained in Title 10 United States Code (USC) 3742. The
establishment of the Distinguished Service Cross was promulgated in War Department General
Order No. 6, dated January 12, 1918.
b. The first design of the Distinguished Service
Cross was cast and manufactured by the United States Mint at Philadelphia. The die was
cast from the approved design prepared by Lieutenant Aymar E. Embry, Engineers Officer
Reserve Corps. Upon examination of the first medals struck at the Mint, it was considered
advisable to make certain minor changes to add to the beauty and the attractiveness of the
medal. Due to the importance of the time element involved in furnishing the decorations to
General Pershing, one hundred of the medals were struck from the original design and
numbered 1 to 100. These medals were furnished with the provision that these crosses be
replaced when the supply of the second design was accomplished which would also be
numbered 1 to 100.
c. Title 10, USC 3991, provides for a 10% increase
in retired pay for enlisted personnel who have retired with more than 20 years of service
if they have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
d. Order of precedence and wear of decorations is
contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority, supply,
and issue of decorations is contained in AR 600-8-22.
